Artwork by Helen Dardik
Me: Achew. Achew. Achew.
Angel: Baby, are you sick?
It's a funny question to ask a person who's been bed-bound/chair-bound for much of the year. Still, I know what he means. This isn't normal Lyme migrainey, joint, stabbing, chronic pain. This is grab the tissues, can't shake the chill, get some hot tea, achy, cold/flu stuff.
Curious, I take to the web and search for something to justify it.
Explanation #1: Die Off (ie: Herx Reaction). UVBI activates white blood cells which creates a strong immune response in the body. Die off of bacteria, after the procedure, can cause fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Treating Yeast can also cause die off.
Explanation #2: A Positive Sign. Bodies overrun by Lyme don't usually respond to cold and flus. If I am symptomatic, I might have caught something. The good news is my body is actually doing what it should be doing to deal with it.
Explanation #3: A Healing Crisis. Healing crises are often described as an un-peeling of layers of illness/injuries (think new illness on top of old illness like wallpaper on a wall). The stiffness in my neck reminds me of how I felt when I initially got sick (over a year ago), the ache in my knee feels strangely like knee surgery recovery (six years ago), and the ankle pain reminds me of an old cheerleading injury (22 years ago). Couple that with hundreds of colds and flus, I'm sure there's lots of scraping going on.
Explanation #4: Change to GU Treatment. I don't think this applies, but my GU formulation did change this week. If this is related, it's probably due to die off (see Explanation #1).
Whatever it is, I'm sure it's a good sign. It's just hard to appreciate...especially on the heels of a recent good streak. Still, if it's working, I'll take it.
Altered Today: Symptoms, Plans
Oh my dear sweet friend....
This is such a roller coaster ride. I just read your post about the UVBI therapy before this one and I'm thinking it has to be playing a role in how you're feeling. Do you have to repeat the therapy at a certain point? It's so interesting. I saw a new chiropractor last week and he was talking about the UVBI. I so pray this will yeild better health for you. I want you to be well. I want us all to be well.
I'm cyber sending you a steaming hot cuppa tea, a box of kleenex (love the artwork btw; it really conveys how you must be feeling), a hand to hold and much heartfelt love!!!
Always thinking of you. XOXOXOXOXO
Posted by: Michelle Holderman | 10/09/2011 at 05:20 PM
I think it's is too, Michelle. I am supposed to do it twice a week for four more weeks. Supposedly, I will feel better after the second week on. A friend of mine did it and ended up getting Shingles after his second treatment so really, in comparison to him, I'm lucky. It's interesting. Not a lot of info online with people talking about UVBI. I've heard through the grapevine, it's helpful, but not many actual accounts. I was advised to do it by Klinghardt's nurse. Said it would help with blood flow (I have thick blood) and viral loads. We'll see. Thinking of you. If you give it a try, let me know how it goes. XOXOXO
Posted by: Alter Everything | 10/09/2011 at 07:37 PM